Chapter 25

In the parlor that Sally hurriedly prepared, she was to be introduced to Clarence and Noah.

Although it was said that no hospitality was necessary for this informal visit, Rane and Riene couldn't possibly greet them in their everyday clothes, so they hurriedly changed.

They couldn't wear evening dresses, but since Rane had no other dresses, she had to borrow one of Riene's visiting dresses.

"It's a bit big, isn't it? I guess we'll have to tie it with a lace ribbon."

Riene skillfully adjusted it with a ribbon, but Rane had to be careful not to trip on the hem.

"I wonder if this will do..."

"While my brother is away, they came unexpectedly, so it's fine not to worry too much."

Riene, who was concerned about the makeshift dress, said this and led the way.

"Yeah, let's go. We should hear their business and send them back quickly. Today's dessert is chocolate cake, you know."

"Really?"

It was a limited edition from a famous pastry shop in the capital. Riene, the female mage, and of course Rane were all captivated by its rich yet pleasant aftertaste.

(If I get through this, there's chocolate cake...)

Rane encouraged herself and headed to the parlor where the prince was waiting.

There, Prince Clarence with his shining golden hair and Noah with his gleaming silver hair were waiting.

Clarence was like a bright sun, and Noah like a cold, clear moonlight; both had strikingly handsome features.

Their gazes turned to her simultaneously, and Rane took a small, nervous breath.

Even if she tried to mimic the nobles' greetings, it would probably be ridiculous. Since they said it was informal, a polite bow should be enough.

They had discussed this while changing.

Just as she was about to greet them,

"I'm sorry!"

Clarence bowed first, leaving Rane confused.

"Huh? Ah, um..."

She looked to Noah for help, but he was also bowing to the prince.

"Prince Clarence, Prince Noah. Rane is confused, could you please stand up?"

If Riene hadn't said this, Rane might have been flustered for a long time.

They had come to apologize for believing Eida at the celebration.

(They came all the way to tell me this?)

It was their first meeting, and Rane was just a village girl from the countryside.

In contrast, Eida and the Holy Maiden were heroes who had defeated the Demon King and saved the world.

"I think it was natural to believe them..."

Clarence denied this, even as she was confused.

"No, I really don't mind. So, please, no more..."

She desperately told them that there was no need to bow again.

Finally, seeing them deeply seated on the sofa, Rane let out a sigh of relief.

She hadn't expected an apology from the prince and his noble companion.

"Others also wish to apologize. Therefore, we would like to invite you to a ball at the royal palace."

"Huh..."

It seemed to be a gathering of young noble heirs and heiresses, where they wouldn't have to worry too much about etiquette. But for Rane, just going to the royal palace was nerve-wracking.

"No, I..."

Normally, she couldn't refuse an invitation from the prince. Still, she desperately tried to think of a way out.

"I am not of a status to be invited to such a place."

But Riene smiled and said this.

"Well, that's wonderful. This way, the dress my brother prepared won't go to waste."

"Riene?"

Surprised, Rane nodded. She seemed to be saying, "Leave it to me." Since she seemed to have a plan, Rane decided to listen without interrupting.

"What dress?"

Clarence asked, and Riene answered.

"The dress from the celebration was mine. But Alek said he had to give a dress to his partner, Rane, so he ordered one recently."

"I see. Since there isn't much time, I was going to give her a dress."

Rane shook her head frantically, thinking it was too much to receive a dress from the prince.

Riene also seemed surprised by his offer but quickly smiled again.

"Don't worry about that. However, I can't decide on my own, so I'll consult with my brother when he returns."

Mentioning Alek's name, the prince couldn't refuse.

"Of course, I understand. I'm sorry for coming when Alek was away, as I couldn't find the time."

It wasn't an excuse; Clarence seemed genuinely busy. He whispered something to his attendant and stood up, looking regretful. He seemed to have some business to attend to.

"I'm sorry for the sudden visit. I'll convey the details to Alek later."

"Understood."

Riene and Rane answered in unison and bowed. They saw them off to the entrance of the house and let out a sigh of relief as the carriage drove away.

"Ah, I was so nervous."

Riene, who had seemed composed, took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry for answering on your behalf. But I thought that if the prince's visit was known, nobles who barely know you would come to apologize every day. It would be easier to handle it all at once."

"Indeed, you're right. Thank you. I agree."

Rane nodded in agreement with Riene's reasoning.

As Riene said, it would be easier to handle it all at once, even if it was nerve-wracking, rather than receiving visits from unknown nobles every day.

"I have to report to my brother when he returns. I'm sorry for involving you in this."

After apologizing, Riene lowered her eyes sadly.